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The Healthcare News Network

Your daily guide to Medicare, insurance, medicines and staying well

Saturday, October 24, 2026● Updated 5:00 PM ET
Daily edition

Healthcare news for October 24, 2026

Flying into the U.S. from abroad? Starting Nov. 3, every passenger must sign an Ebola statement before boarding The CDC is requiring everyone on an international flight to the United States, including U.S. citizens and green-card holders, to declare they have not been in the Democratic Republic of the Congo in the 21 days before the trip. Airlines will collect the statements at check-in or the gate, on paper or with an electronic checkbox, and must turn away anyone who doesn't complete one. Parents or guardians can sign for children under 18. The rule covers flights leaving after 11:59 p.m. ET on Nov. 3 and runs through Dec. 18 unless the CDC changes it. It comes as Congo's outbreak of a rare Ebola strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment, has spread to Kenya and Nigeria. People who were in Congo within 21 days are already barred from entering the U.S., and giving false information can bring fines or jail time. Health officials have not reported any U.S. cases. If you're traveling, allow extra time at check-in and watch for instructions from your airline.

In 30 seconds

Medicare & Seniors

  • More than 87,000 Iowans told their Medicare plan is ending

    Wellmark and Medica are dropping PPO plans, which means no Iowa Advantage plan will include Mayo Clinic in its network next year. People whose plan is canceled can return to Original Medicare and buy a Medigap policy without health questions. Pick new coverage by Dec. 31 to avoid a gap; a special window stays open through Feb. 28.

    Southwest Iowa News Source

  • Advantage plan cuts leave seniors racing to find new coverage

    More than 30 million people are in Medicare Advantage, and many are losing plans for 2027. Some insurers have federal approval to cap sign-ups in certain plans, so waiting could mean being turned away. Switching back to Original Medicare can also bring Medigap denials or higher prices. Free help is at 1-800-MEDICARE and your state's SHIP program.

    PBS NewsHour

Insurance & ACA

  • Nearly half of working-age adults are uninsured or underinsured, survey finds

    A Commonwealth Fund survey of adults 19 to 64 found the uninsured rate rose to 11.2% this year from 8.9% in 2024, and 23% had coverage too thin to protect them from high costs. Half said they went without needed care because of cost, and about 3 in 10 are paying off medical bills over time. When you shop this fall, compare deductibles and out-of-pocket limits, not just the monthly price.

    Commonwealth Fund

  • What to know before you shop for a 2027 ACA plan

    Insurers are raising prices about 15% on average, and the out-of-pocket maximum climbs to $12,000 for one person. Using an agent on the federal marketplace now requires a confirmation code, and some people will face extra ID checks. A freeze on new agents means appointments may be harder to get, so book early and update your contact info.

    KFF Health News

  • Massachusetts opens health insurance sign-up early, through Jan. 23

    The state's Health Connector began open enrollment Oct. 23. Experts expect some people to switch to cheaper bronze plans with high deductibles now that extra federal tax credits have ended. Free navigators can help you compare plans and check what help you qualify for.

    GBH News

Medicines & FDA

  • Compounded tirzepatide vials recalled over sterility concerns

    Apothecary Pharma, a North Carolina outsourcing pharmacy, is recalling 22 lots of its 18 mg/mL tirzepatide multi-dose vials and one lot of NAD+ injection sold nationwide because it can't guarantee they are sterile. The FDA lists it as a Class II recall; no contamination has been confirmed. If you use compounded tirzepatide, check your vial's label and ask your prescriber or pharmacy before your next dose.

    Managed Healthcare Executive

  • Personalized mRNA vaccine cuts melanoma's return by 42% in a large trial

    In 1,137 patients whose melanoma had been surgically removed, adding Moderna and Merck's custom-made vaccine to Keytruda lowered the risk of the cancer coming back or death. After two years, 82% were cancer-free versus 70% on Keytruda alone. Full results are being presented this weekend. The vaccine is not yet approved and is available only in clinical trials.

    AJMC

  • Crohn's patients can now start Skyrizi at home instead of by IV

    The FDA approved an under-the-skin starting dose of AbbVie's Skyrizi, given with a wearable injector, for adults with moderate to severe Crohn's disease. In a trial, 56% reached remission at 12 weeks versus 30% on placebo. IV starts remain an option; talk to your gastroenterologist.

    HCPLive

Staying Well

  • U.S. measles cases reach 4,588 this year, about double all of 2025

    CDC counted 178 new cases in the latest week, with outbreaks in 47 jurisdictions and about 1 in 10 patients hospitalized; young children are hit hardest. Pennsylvania's outbreak is among the largest. Two doses of the MMR vaccine give strong protection, so check your family's records if you're unsure.

    Contagion Live

  • Flu keeps rising earlier than usual, almost all of it H1N1

    CDC's latest report shows 5.7% of flu tests came back positive, up from 5.0% a week earlier, and hospitalizations are climbing. Activity is still low nationally but higher than normal for October. No child flu deaths have been reported yet this season.

    CDC

  • More than 4.3 million tubes of kids' toothpaste recalled

    The recall covers fluoride toothpaste sold under Brush Buddies, Crayola, Hot Wheels, My Little Pony and some smaller labels, made in India and distributed by Ashtel Studios. The FDA cited manufacturing-practice problems; no illnesses have been reported and serious harm is considered unlikely. Check your tubes against the FDA notice (expiration dates from Nov. 2026 to June 2028), stop using matches and keep your receipt in case refunds are announced.

    NBC News

Policy & Law

  • Missouri prepares 360,000 Medicaid adults for new work rules

    Starting at the end of this year, adults in Missouri's Medicaid expansion group will need to report 80 hours a month of work, school or approved volunteering, and eligibility will be checked twice a year. People with disabilities and some parents are exempt. Keep your address current, save pay stubs or school records, and use the state's online screener to see if the rules apply to you.

    St. Louis Public Radio

  • CMS proposes ending automatic ACA renewals for people with subsidies

    Starting with 2028 coverage, people getting premium tax credits would need to confirm their income, household size, citizenship or immigration status and other details every year to keep their help. The proposal carries out last year's budget law. The public will have 30 days to comment once it's published.

    American Hospital Association

  • Eight health measures on the Nov. 3 ballot

    Voters will decide on Medicaid expansion in South Dakota, abortion rights in Missouri, Nevada, Virginia and Idaho, two California measures on clinic spending and a billionaire tax for health care, and limits on gender surgery for minors in Colorado. Check your sample ballot before you vote.

    Becker's Hospital Review

Hospitals & Business